He said the heart attack did significant damage – and he claimed an open letter from his son, Thomas Jr, wrote to Prince Harry discouraging him from marrying Meghan triggered his heart attack, TMZ said.

Mr Markle's presence at the wedding had been the source of speculation since he allegedly staged paparazzi photographs of himself getting measured for a suit for the wedding and browsing news websites for stories on his daughter.

On Monday he reportedly said he would not be going to the wedding, telling TMZ that he did not want to "embarrass the Royal Family or his daughter".

A spokesman said earlier: "This is a deeply personal moment for Ms Markle in the days before her wedding.

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"She and Prince Harry ask again for understanding and respect to be extended to Mr Markle in this difficult situation."

:: Sky News will broadcast live in Windsor the week before the royal wedding with all the build-up to the big day, with exclusive live coverage of the wedding in UHD in a special programme ‪from 9am to 3pm on Sky News and Sky One ‪on Saturday 19 May.